Dictionary
English - French

Car

kɑr
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

voiture, auto, bagnole, caisse, véhicule

Car meanings in French

voiture

Example:
I bought a new car.
J'ai acheté une nouvelle voiture.
The car is parked outside.
La voiture est garée dehors.
Usage: formal/informalContext: General use when referring to a vehicle.
Note: The term 'voiture' is the most common translation of 'car' and is used in everyday conversations.

auto

Example:
I prefer to travel by car.
Je préfère voyager en auto.
His auto is very reliable.
Son auto est très fiable.
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversations, often interchangeable with 'voiture'.
Note: 'Auto' is derived from the word 'automobile' and is more commonly used in some regions, like Quebec.

bagnole

Example:
He drives an old bagnole.
Il conduit une vieille bagnole.
My bagnole broke down yesterday.
Ma bagnole est tombée en panne hier.
Usage: informalContext: Colloquial and often used among younger people.
Note: 'Bagnole' is a slang term for 'car' and can carry a slightly negative connotation, often referring to a run-down vehicle.

caisse

Example:
He just bought a new caisse.
Il vient d'acheter une nouvelle caisse.
That caisse looks great!
Cette caisse a l'air géniale!
Usage: informalContext: Used chiefly in slang and among younger generations.
Note: 'Caisse' is a slang term that can refer to a car, often emphasizing its appearance or style.

véhicule

Example:
This vehicle is very efficient.
Ce véhicule est très efficace.
You need a vehicle for this terrain.
Vous avez besoin d'un véhicule pour ce terrain.
Usage: formalContext: Used in official or technical contexts, such as regulations or descriptions.
Note: 'Véhicule' is a broader term that refers to any mode of transport, including cars, trucks, etc.

Car's synonyms

automobile

An automobile is a motor vehicle designed for transportation.
Example: He drives an automobile to work every day.
Note: Automobile is a formal term for a car.

vehicle

A vehicle is any means of transportation or conveyance.
Example: She parked her vehicle in the garage.
Note: Vehicle is a broader term that encompasses cars, trucks, buses, etc.

auto

Auto is a shortened form of automobile.
Example: I need to take my auto to the mechanic for repairs.
Note: Auto is an informal term for a car.

motorcar

Motorcar is a formal term for a car.
Example: The motorcar industry has seen significant advancements in technology.
Note: Motorcar is an older term for a car.

Car expressions, common phrases

Hit the road

This phrase means to start a journey or leave a place.
Example: It's getting late, we should hit the road before it gets dark.
Note: The phrase 'hit the road' does not directly refer to a car but rather to the act of beginning a journey.

Backseat driver

A backseat driver is someone who gives unwanted advice or criticism, especially while someone else is driving.
Example: He kept telling me which way to go, he's such a backseat driver.
Note: The term is figurative and refers to a person's behavior rather than the physical seat in a car.

Drive someone up the wall

To drive someone up the wall means to annoy or irritate them greatly.
Example: His constant whistling is driving me up the wall!
Note: The phrase uses 'drive' in a figurative sense to convey irritation rather than referring to actual driving a car.

Run out of gas

To run out of gas means to deplete the fuel in a vehicle's gas tank.
Example: I need to stop at a gas station; we're about to run out of gas.
Note: The phrase is literal, referring to the fuel needed to operate a car.

In the driver's seat

Being in the driver's seat means being in control or having the authority to make decisions.
Example: After the promotion, she's in the driver's seat of the project.
Note: The phrase is metaphorical, relating to the position of control rather than the physical location in a car.

Back on track

To be back on track means to be making progress or moving in the right direction again.
Example: After a few setbacks, we're finally back on track with the project.
Note: The phrase is figurative, indicating a return to a desired course of action rather than a physical track like a car would follow.

Jump on the bandwagon

To jump on the bandwagon means to join a popular trend or activity.
Example: Many companies are jumping on the electric car bandwagon due to increasing demand.
Note: The phrase is figurative, referring to joining a trend rather than physically jumping onto a bandwagon or a vehicle.

Car everyday (slang) expressions

Whip

Whip is a slang term commonly used to refer to a car. It is often used to describe a cool or stylish vehicle.
Example: I'll be taking my new whip for a spin this weekend.
Note: The term 'whip' is more informal and colloquial than 'car'. It is typically used in casual conversations among younger people.

Ride

In slang, 'ride' is used to mean a car or vehicle, especially one that the speaker owns or is currently using.
Example: Check out my new ride! It's a classic Mustang.
Note: Although 'ride' can refer to any mode of transportation, in slang, it is commonly used to specifically mean a car.

Wheels

In informal language, 'wheels' is a term used to refer to a car, particularly focusing on the tires and style of the vehicle.
Example: I'm thinking of upgrading my wheels to something sportier.
Note: The slang term 'wheels' often emphasizes the overall appearance and performance aspect of the car.

Beater

A 'beater' is a slang term for a vehicle, usually an old and worn-out one that is still functional but not in great condition.
Example: I drive an old beater to work every day. It's not pretty, but it gets me there.
Note: 'Beater' carries a connotation of being a well-used or less valuable vehicle compared to the word 'car'. It is often used humorously or self-deprecatingly.

Hooptie

'Hooptie' is an informal term used to describe a dilapidated or rundown car that may not be in the best condition but is still operational.
Example: My hooptie may be rusty, but it's got character.
Note: The slang term 'hooptie' is more derogatory or humorous compared to the neutral term 'car'. It is often used to describe older, less reliable vehicles.

Whipper

'Whipper' is sometimes used informally to refer to a high-performance or powerful car that is impressive or desirable.
Example: That new model is a real whipper. I wish I could afford one.
Note: This term is not as commonly used as some other slang terms for cars, but it conveys the idea of speed or excellence in a vehicle.

Cruiser

In slang, 'cruiser' often refers to a car, usually one that is comfortable for leisurely or relaxed drives.
Example: I enjoy my weekend drives in my classic cruiser. It's so relaxing.
Note: The term 'cruiser' suggests a laid-back or comfortable driving experience, differentiating it from a more practical or sporty vehicle.

Car - Examples

I need to buy a new car.
J'ai besoin d'acheter une nouvelle voiture.
My car broke down on the way to work.
Ma voiture est tombée en panne en allant au travail.
I love driving my car on long road trips.
J'adore conduire ma voiture lors de longs road trips.

Car grammar

Car - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: car
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): cars
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): car
Syllables, Separation and Stress
car Contains 1 syllables: car
Phonetic transcription: ˈkär
car , ˈkär (The red syllable is stressed)

Car - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
car: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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